Requirement for Salinity Data in Thermal Structure Prediction.
Abstract
Depth of mixing produced by heat losses of 250 to 1,500 gm cal/sq cm and by winds of 10 to 40 knots is computed for various thermal profiles. The effect of salinity on the mixing processes is evaluated by comparing the depth of mixing for isohaline, typical, and observed salinity profiles under the above conditions. Salinity is important to mixing computations when initial layer depths are less than 100 feet, mixing forces are large (1,000 gm cal/sq cm heat loss or 30 knot wind), thermocline gradient is 4F/100 feet or less, and a strong salinity gradient is present. These combined conditions occur infrequently, but are found in slope waters in the summer. Errors in excess of 20 percent of the predicted layer depth are possible if salinity is neglected under these conditions. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0847587
Entities
People
- Richard W. James
Organizations
- Naval Oceanographic Office